Logset that regulates flame produced by fireplace fuel cartrige

ABSTRACT

In accordance with the present invention, a noncombustible simulated logset which incorporates vapor restrictors as an integral part thereof, which vapor restrictors sit over a generally rectangular fuel cartridge and are an integral part of the logset itself, which vapor restrictors control and regulate the flames produced by a generally rectangular open trough fuel cartridge that has no vapor restrictors of its own. An alternative embodiment of the invention additionally comprises of components that glow when they are heated, to add to the over-all fireplace effect of the invention.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

“Fireplace Fuel Cartridge For Rectangular, Self Regulating Flame Patterns,” filed Mar. 30, 2004

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention is for a noncombustible logset that gives the appearance of one or more logs, which regulates the flames produced by a rectangular fireplace fuel cartridge, thereby controlling the shape, height, width, depth and burn time of the flames produced when the fuel inside the cartridge, such as gelled alcohol, burns.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As discussed in the Patent Application entitled “Fireplace Fuel Cartridge For Rectangular, Self Regulating Flame Patterns,” filed on Mar. 30, 2004 (the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference) and which, at the time of invention, is commonly owned by, and assigned to, the owner and assignee of the present application, ventless fireplaces are very popular. Such fireplaces are easy to install because they do not require chimneys or exhaust systems.

There are two main types of ventless fireplaces. The first type uses gas that is piped into the fireplace. The gas is burned by a type of burner that does not produce appreciable noxious fumes. Typically, such burners provide generally rectangular flame patterns wider than they are deep.

Generally rectangular flame patterns are common to many fireplaces, both vented and ventless. Indeed, the flame pattern in almost all fireplaces is wider than it is deep. Fireplace logs are generally wider than they are deep and many consumers expect fireplace fires to exhibit generally rectangular flame patterns.

Aside from gas, the second type of ventless fireplace in common use uses a clean burning portable fuel source, typically alcohol gel fuel. Such an alcohol gel is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,379 to Browning.

Alcohol gel, however, is typically purchased in small round cans that resemble paint cans. These cans usually hold about one pint of fuel, or a little less. Similar to the cans themselves, the lid openings on the cans are also round.

When this “paint can” type canister of alcohol gel fuel is placed inside a fireplace, and the round lid is removed from the round lid opening on top of the can, and the exposed fuel is ignited, a generally round flame is produced.

As discussed previously, however, fireplace flame patterns are generally rectangular, not round. “Paint can” type canisters, therefore, are inherently problematic when used to hold fireplace fuel, because they are not designed to produce a rectangular flame pattern.

In addition, paint cans cannot shape and regulate the width, depth or number of flames that are produced when the fuel inside an individual can is ignited.

Because “paint can” type fuel containers do not have the ability to shape, regulate or control a rectangular flame pattern, inventors have been forced to create other methods for shaping and controlling the flames paint cans produce.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,781 to Fischer, discusses a ventless fireplace that uses such cans. The cans are referred to as “cans of gelled fuel” at Col. 5, line 28. Component 31 in FIG. 2 of this patent shows such a round “paint can”.

In order to obtain a flame pattern approximating a rectangularly shaped flame pattern Fischer teaches placing a series of round cans in a straight line, and placing the cans in a rectangular receptacle called a “fuel cell”. (See claim 1b of the Fischer patent.)

Fischer's rectangular receptacle is also equipped with a rectangular damper lid which the patent states is used to regulate “the burning rate” of the fuel and can “dampen” same.

The rectangular receptacle and rectangular damper lid re-shape the configuration of the round fires produced by the “paint cans” so as to produce a quasi-rectangular flame pattern whose width is greater than its depth.

The problems that “paint cans” present when they are used to hold fireplace fuel have been addressed by other inventors, aside from Fischer. Myers also dealt with these problems in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,905. This patent is also for a ventless alcohol fireplace that uses “standard one-pint size” canisters shown to be round, as component 194 of FIG. 1 of the Myers' patent illustrates.

Similar to Fisher, Myers attempted to solve the problems presented by round paint cans by using multiple cans, placed in a straight line. Also similar to Fisher, Myers specifically required the cans to be placed in a rectangular metal box called a “fuel cell”. Myer's “fuel cell” holds three cans.

It is inherently inconvenient, inefficient and ineffective, however, to try to achieve a quasi-rectangular flame pattern by placing a series of round “paint cans” next to one another, in a straight line.

For one thing, it requires the use of multiple cans.

For another, it may require the use of rectangular metal receptacles called “fuel cells” to hold the cans, as the Fischer and Myers patents show.

A third problem is that several round “paint cans”, even when placed in a line, do not produce a truly rectangular flame pattern. A truly rectangular flame pattern cannot be achieved no matter how many round cans are used.

A fourth problem is that there will be gaps in the “quasi-rectangular” flame pattern produced by a series of round “paint cans.” Gaps will exist where the outside perimeter of one can touches the outside perimeter of the adjacent can, as illustrated in FIG. 5 of the application entitled “Fireplace Fuel Cartridge For Rectangular, Self Regulating Flame Patterns,” filed on Mar. 30, 2004.

A fifth problem relates to fuel efficiency. Using round “paint cans” to achieve a quasi-rectangular flame pattern is inherently inefficient. The round cans and round openings burn more fuel than should be required in order to achieve a somewhat rectangular flame pattern, which it cannot truly do in any event.

For all these reasons round “paint cans” should not be used to hold alcohol gel fuel intended for use in fireplaces. Rather, it would be much more convenient to fashion a generally rectangular disposable fuel cartridge with a generally rectangular opening exposing the fuel, as discussed in the Patent Application entitled “Fireplace Fuel Cartridge For Rectangular, Self Regulating Flame Patterns,” filed on Mar. 30, 2004 (the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference).

As discussed in the aforementioned application, the top of such a fuel cartridge is generally rectangular and may measure, for example, 10 inches by 2 inches. As also discussed in the aforementioned application, however, it is generally not desirable to expose the entire 10 inch by 2 inch area of fuel to ambient air. Rather, it is desirable to direct and restrict the flow of ambient air and fuel vapors adjacent to the 10 inch by 2 inch top of the fuel cartridge.

This is key because restrictions on air and vapor flow control how the fuel burns, which in turn controls flame height, shape, width, depth and burn time.

In the aforementioned application, restrictions on vapor flow are accomplished through the use of “vapor restrictors” which block air movement at the top of the fuel cartridge. In a fuel cartridge with a 10 inch by 2 inch top, for example, “vapor restrictors” may only expose a 9 inch by 1 inch area of fuel.

In the aforementioned application the “vapor restrictors” were an integral part of the top of the fuel cartridge itself. This complicated the design of the fuel cartridge slightly and prevented it from assuming the configuration of a simple, completely open, trough.

A rectangular fuel cartridge in the shape of a completely open trough, however, is simpler and less expensive to manufacture than a fuel cartridge with “vapor restrictors” that are an integral part of the top of the cartridge.

The present invention solves this problem by incorporating “vapor restrictors” into the top of the logset that sits immediately over the rectangular fuel cartridge, which cartridge can now take the form of an open trough.

This makes the manufacture of the fuel cartridge simpler and less expensive, but still accomplishes the result of regulating the height, shape, width, depth and bum time of the flames produced when the fuel in the fuel cartridge is ignited.

DISADVANTAGES COMMON TO THE PRIOR ART

As discussed in the Patent Application entitled “Fireplace Fuel Cartridge For Rectangular, Self Regulating Flame Patterns,” filed on Mar. 30, 2004 (the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference), the applicant is unaware of any disposable, ventless fireplace gel fuel cartridge sold on the market which regulates the width and depth of the flame the cartridge produces, so as to create a rectangular flame pattern.

Instead, the prior art utilizes multiple “paint can” type gel fuel canisters. Although one may attempt to obtain a rectangular flame pattern by placing multiple canisters in a straight line, there are inherent disadvantages to this practice.

First, it requires the use of multiple canisters versus a single fuel cartridge specifically designed to produce a rectangular flame pattern.

Second, it may require the use of a rectangular metal receptacle called a fuel cell to hold the multiple “paint can” type canisters.

Third, it may also require the use of a rectangular damper lid on top of the rectangular fuel cell, as the prior art discusses.

Fourth, round “paint cans”, even when placed next to one another in a line, will produce gaps in the flame pattern, as shown in FIG. 5 of the aforementioned application entitled “Fireplace Fuel Cartridge For Rectangular, Self Regulating Flame Patterns,” filed on Mar. 30, 2004.

Fifth, “paint cans” are fuel inefficient when used for fireplace fires. They use more fuel than should be required to achieve a rectangular flame pattern.

Sixth, the openings in “paint cans” are not specifically designed to self regulate the size of fireplace flames. Instead, the “paint cans” used in the prior art appear to be just that, paint cans. As the prior art reveals, the paint cans require the use of a rectangular damper lid over a rectangular metal “fuel cell” box to control the flames produced by using “paint cans”.

Seventh, round “paint cans” are inherently inefficient from a storage point of view. They require more cubic inches to store than rectangular cartridges.

Although these problems were solved by the invention discussed in the application entitled “Fireplace Fuel Cartridge For Rectangular, Self Regulating Flame Patterns,” filed on Mar. 30, 2004 (the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference), the rectangular fuel cartridge discussed therein had “vapor restrictors” which were an integral part of the top of the fuel cartridge itself.

This necessarily increases the complexity of the design and manufacture of the fuel cartridge slightly and prevented it from assuming the configuration of a simple, completely open, trough.

The present invention solves that problem by incorporating “vapor restrictors” into the top of the logset itself and by placing the “vapor restrictors” immediately over the rectangular fuel cartridge, thereby enabling the fuel cartridge itself to be configured as a simple, open trough, while still enabling the vapor restrictors to regulate the height, shape, width, depth and burn time of the flames produced when the fuel in the fuel cartridge is ignited.

The logset may consist of two or more pieces and has the appearance of one or more logs.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The objects and advantages of the invention described herein are:

(a) provide a logset with vapor restrictors that are an integral part thereof, so as to allow the use of a convenient, one piece, disposable fuel cartridge whose configuration is a generally rectangular open trough.

(b) provide a logset with vapor restrictors that are an integral part thereof, so as to allow the use of a convenient, one piece, disposable fuel cartridge whose configuration is a generally rectangular open trough, where the logset with vapor restrictors controls the height, shape, width, depth and burn time of the generally rectangular flames produced when the fuel in the fuel cartridge is ignited.

(c) provide a logset with vapor restrictors that are an integral part thereof, where the vapor restrictors cause the fuel in a generally rectangular fuel cartridge to bum efficiently, thereby requiring less fuel than multiple “paint cans” require to produce a generally rectangular flame pattern.

(d) provide a logset with vapor restrictors that are an integral part thereof, where the vapor restrictors regulate the generally rectangular type flame pattern produced when the fuel inside the fuel cartridge below the vapor restrictors is ignited, without the use of, or need for, a damper, valve, or other manually operated controls.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a noncombustible logset that gives the appearance of one or more logs and which incorporates vapor restrictors as an integral part thereof, which vapor restrictors sit over a generally rectangular fuel cartridge similar to an open trough, where the vapor restrictors control the shape, height, width, depth and bum time of the flames produced when the fuel inside the cartridge is ignited, without the need for any additional components, such as dampers, valves or other manually operated controls.

DRAWING—FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows one configuration of a noncombustible logset that gives the appearance of several logs, which logset has vapor restrictors as an integral part thereof.

FIG. 2 shows the top of the backwall of the logset of FIG. 1, with vapor restrictors attached thereto at approximately a ninety degree angle, with the backwall and the attached vapor restrictors removed from the balance of the logset.

FIG. 3 shows the logset of FIG. 1 without the top of the backwall and without the vapor restrictors. It also shows the cavity in the logset where the generally rectangular open trough fuel cartridge is inserted, and it shows such a cartridge.

FIG. 4 shows the entire logset, with the top of the backwall and the vapor restrictors in place, and it shows two flames with generally rectangular patterns emerging from the vapor apertures surrounded by vapor restrictors.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention with components that glow when they are heated incorporated into the vapor restrictors.

DRAWING—REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 Logset with vapor restrictors

12 Frontwall of logset

14 Right sidewall of logset

16 Left sidewall of logset

18 Top of backwall of logset, with vapor restrictors attached thereto

20A Left vapor restrictor

20B Right vapor restrictor

20C Middle vapor restrictor

20D Back vapor restrictor

20E Front vapor restrictor

22A, B Vapor exit apertures

24 Bottom of backwall of logset

26 Cavity for accepting generally rectangular open trough fuel cartridge

28 Generally rectangular open trough fuel cartridge

28A Fuel inside generally rectangular open trough fuel cartridge

30A, B Generally rectangular flame patterns

32 Glow components

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The presently preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 1 shows a noncombustible logset 10 that gives the appearance of a series of logs, which logset 10 has vapor restrictors 20A-E, attached. FIG. 1 also illustrates the frontwall 12, right sidewall 14, and left sidewall 16 of the logset 10. In addition, the figure shows the top of the backwall 18 of the logset 10, with vapor restrictors 20A-E attached to the top of the backwall 18.

FIG. 2 shows a noncombustible logset 10 with the top of the backwall 18 and its attached vapor restrictors 20A-E, separated from the rest of the logset 10. This figure also shows the bottom of the backwall 24 and the cavity 26 inside the logset 10 where a generally rectangular open trough fuel cartridge 28 may be inserted.

FIG. 3 shows a generally rectangular open trough fuel cartridge 28 and the cavity 26 inside the logset 10 where the fuel cartridge 28 is inserted. Also shown is the fuel 28A inside the fuel cartridge 28.

FIG. 4 shows the generally rectangular flame patterns 30A-B which are produced when the fuel 28A is ignited.

As discussed in detail in the application entitled “Fireplace Fuel Cartridge For Rectangular, Self Regulating Flame Patterns,” filed on Mar. 30, 2004 (the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference), the vapor restrictors 20A-E restrict vapor flow in two ways. First, they restrict the flow of flammable vapors that can sublimate from the fuel 28A that is immediately below the vapor restrictors 20A-E. Second, the vapor restrictors 20A-E restrict and direct the flow of ambient oxygen into the fuel cartridge 28.

As also discussed in the aforementioned application in detail, the vapor restrictors 20A-E control and regulate shape, height, width, depth and burn time of the flames produced when the fuel 28A inside the cartridge 28 is ignited.

By varying the length, width and depth of the generally rectangularly shaped fuel cartridge 28, and by varying the size of the vapor restrictors 20A-E, and thereby the flame exit apertures 22A-B the invention regulates the fires 30A-B produced when the fuel 28A is ignited so as to control the size and duration of the fires.

Operation

To operate the invention in accordance with the present embodiment one removes the top of the back of the logset 18 and its attached vapor restrictors 20A-E from the remainder of the logset 10. A fuel cartridge 28 is then inserted into the cavity 26 of the logset 10. The top of the back of the logset 10 and its attached vapor restrictors 20A-E is then placed back on top of the balance of the logset 10, and the fuel 28A in the fuel cartridge 28 is ignited. Flames, 30A-B will then exit the vapor exit apertures 22A-B.

Alternative Embodiments

Variations in the length, width and depth of the logset 10 are possible, as are variations in the length, width and depth of the cavity 26 which holds the fuel cartridge 28, and the fuel cartridge 28 itself, all while remaining within the scope of the present invention. These variations, in turn, will cause variations in the number and size of the vapor exit apertures 22A-B.

As explained in the application entitled “Fireplace Fuel Cartridge For Rectangular, Self Regulating Flame Patterns,” filed on Mar. 30, 2004 (the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference), variations in the number and size of the vapor restrictors 20A-E are also possible.

The net result of all these variations can be logsets that are larger or smaller, which can produce one, two or more flames, which flames can be larger or smaller and may burn for longer or shorter periods of time.

Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the specific descriptions of the exemplar logset illustrated in the figures.

Additional alternative embodiments can incorporate a “glow” feature into the invention. Specifically, the vapor restrictors, or portions of the logset adjacent thereto, may be partially constructed out of material that glows when it is heated. Such materials are generally known to those of ordinary skill in the art of manufacturing noncombustible logs for use in gas fireplaces. An example of this alternative embodiment logset is illustrated in FIG. 5, wherein glow components 32 are incorporated into the vapor restrictors 20A-E.

Advantages of the Present Invention

From the description above, a number of advantages of the present invention become evident:

(a) the invention provides a logset with vapor restrictors that are an integral part thereof, so as to allow the use a convenient, one piece, disposable fuel cartridge whose configuration is a generally rectangular open trough.

(b) the invention provides a logset with vapor restrictors that are an integral part thereof, so as to allow the use a convenient, one piece, disposable fuel cartridge whose configuration is a generally rectangular open trough, where the logset with vapor restrictors controls the height, shape, width, depth and burn time of the generally rectangular flames produced when the fuel in the fuel cartridge is ignited.

(c) the invention provides a logset with vapor restrictors that are an integral part thereof, where the vapor restrictors cause the fuel in a generally rectangular fuel cartridge to burn efficiently, thereby requiring less fuel than multiple “paint cans” require to produce a generally rectangular flame pattern.

(d) the invention provides a logset with vapor restrictors that are an integral part thereof, where the vapor restrictors regulate the generally rectangular type flame pattern produced when the fuel inside the fuel cartridge below the vapor restrictors is ignited, without the use of a damper, valve, or other manually operated controls. 

1. A noncombustible, flame-regulating logset for controlling the burning of an open-trough fuel cartridge having a substantially rectangular shape, comprising at least one simulated and at least one vapor restrictor connected to said at least one simulated log.
 2. The logset of claim 1 wherein said simulated log comprises at least one cylindrical body approximating the appearance of a natural wood log.
 3. The logset of claim 1 wherein said at least one vapor restrictor is substantially rectangular in extent, being adapted to cover the opening of the said open-trough fuel cartridge and wherein said at least one vapor restrictor further comprises at least one vapor exit aperture.
 4. The logset of claim 2 wherein said at least one vapor restrictor is substantially rectangular in extent, being adapted to cover the opening of the said open-trough fuel cartridge and wherein said at least one vapor restrictor further comprises at least one vapor exit aperture.
 5. The logset of claim 3, wherein said simulated logset further comprises a fuel-cartridge-receiving cavity for receiving an open-trough fuel cartridge.
 6. The logset of claim 4, wherein said simulated logset further comprises a fuel cartridge-receiving cavity for receiving an open-trough fuel cartridge.
 7. The logset of claim 5, wherein said fuel cartridge-receiving cavity is enclosed on one side by said at least one vapor restrictor.
 8. The logset of claim 6, wherein said fuel cartridge-receiving cavity is enclosed on one side by said at least one vapor restrictor.
 9. The logset of claim 7, wherein said vapor exit aperture communicates with the fuel in said open-trough fuel cartridge, thereby permitting the exit of flammable vapors from said fuel cartridge in a controlled fashion and thereby regulating the size and duration of the flames produced when the fuel in the fuel cartridge is ignited.
 10. The logset of claim 8, wherein said vapor exit aperture communicates with the fuel in said open-trough fuel cartridge, thereby permitting the exit of flammable vapors from said fuel cartridge in a controlled fashion and thereby regulating the size and duration of the flames produced when the fuel in the fuel cartridge is ignited.
 11. The logset of claim 9 further comprising components that glow upon exposure to said flames.
 12. The logset of claim 10, wherein said vapor exit aperture communicates with the fuel in said open-trough fuel cartridge, permitting the exit of flammable vapors from said fuel cartridge in a controlled fashion and thereby regulating the size and duration of the flames produced when the fuel in the fuel cartridge is ignited, further comprising components that glow upon exposure to said flames. 